Serpentine Path – Serpentine Path.

From the spoken intro explaining the meaning of 666 prior  to opening track Arrows and ending with hammer blow rhythms of closing track Only A Monolith Remains, the debut album from U.S based doom metal band Serpentine Path is a monstrous affair.

It transcends the doom tag by being one of the bleakest albums i have ever heard, at times the music is so overbearing it is like being shut in a darkened room with little air to breathe! Released via Relapse Records on Sept.11th 2012, Serpentine Path are a 5 piece made up from New York cult band Unearthly Trance. A trio of Jay Newman, Darren Verni and Ryan Lipynsky. The remaining 2 members are guitarist Stephen Flam from doom band Winter and former Electric Wizard bassist/guitarist Tim Bagshaw, also on guitar. So, Serpentine Path could be classed as a supergroup of sorts.

The self titled album is almost 45 minutes of crushing metal, highlights are the aforementioned opener Arrows, just over 5 minutes of hulking riffs backing up the gutteral vocals of Ryan Lypynsky. Second track Crotalus Horridus Horridus is more of a wall of noise with a vocal to match the mood. Beyond The Dawn Of Time begins with a sample vocal of  ” Look into the final maddening space between life and death “. The guitars crash in as death is said. The vocals are almost narrated as the music is like being hit by a demolition wrecking ball. Obsoletion’s abrasive guitar riffs and hammer blow drums are matched by the demonic vocals. Aphelion’s sludge stomp riffs bring to mind Korn’s song Here To Stay only much heavier. Final track Only A Monolith Remains piles on the misery for almost 7 minutes. It is the most crushing track and a fitting way to end an excellent debut. The riffs literally crawl through, weaving in and out of a mournful vocal as it smashes to a close.

Serpentine Path band :-

Tim Bagshaw – Guitars.

Stephen Flam – Guitars.

Jay Newman – Bass.

Darren Verni – Drums.

Ryan Lypynsky – Vocals.

Serpentine Path album track listing –

Arrows.

Crotalus Horridus Horrius.

Bats Amongst Heathens.

Beyond The Dawn Of Time.

Obsoletion.

Aphelion.

Compendium Of Suffering.

Only A Monolith Remains.

I award the album 9.5/10.